Volvo Vehicles See 50-Percent Drop in Occupant Injury Risk Since 2000

TORRINGTON, CONN. (09/05/2012)(readMedia)-- Volvo has long staked its reputation on building safe vehicles, and the Swedish automaker recently announced that its efforts have reduced the likelihood of injury in its cars by around 50 percent since the year 2000. That figure is based on the company's own accident database, including findings by Volvo's Traffic Accident Research team, which has been in action for more than 40 years.

Meanwhile, the results of the latest round of crash tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) add weight to Volvo's impressive claim. The 2012 Volvo S60 was the only European luxury car to earn the top rating of "good" in the IIHS' initial run of small overlap frontal offset crash tests, a new exercise designed to recreate when the front corner of a car hits a tree, pole or other vehicle. The test involved colliding 25 percent of the front-end driver's side of each car into a rigid barrier at 40 mph, and for many of the models other than the S60, the result was a severely collapsed passenger compartment.

"Volvo designs its vehicles to stand up to real-world crashes, not just what gets tested by safety agencies, so the S60 was prepared for the frontal offset test before the test even existed," said Jeff Schmahl, general sales manager of Torrington, CT Volvo dealer Mitchell Volvo of the Litchfield Hills. "Volvo's dedication to safety goes beyond crash protection though; it is constantly working to avoid accidents to begin with."

The 2013 Volvo S60 comes with a myriad of standard safety features meant to lessen the risk of an accident. Ready Alert Brakes sense when severe braking may be needed and prepare the brake pads for quicker response, while City Safety uses an infrared laser to identify when the S60 is approaching the car ahead too quickly, automatically applying the brakes if necessary. According to a report from the IIHS, City Safety can reduce the frequency of collisions by up to 22 percent.

Volvo S60 buyers can also opt for other advanced safety systems, like Driver Alert Control, the first system used on passenger cars to detect when the driver's concentration level is dwindling, alerting him or her that it is time for a break. The technology comes paired with Lane Departure Warning, which detects lane markers on the road at speeds above 40 mph, sending alerts if the car starts to swerve out of its lane.

Beyond its high-tech safety equipment, the 2013 Volvo S60 offers intuitive technology focused on convenience and entertainment as well. New S60 models come standard with a Bluetooth hands-free system that automatically pairs with the driver's smartphone upon entering the vehicle, allowing for seamless phone calls and audio streaming. There is also an optional Audyssey premium sound system designed to please the most discerning audiophiles with its Dolby Pro Logic II Surround Sound.

"Many luxury brands have proven that they can coddle passengers when it comes to amenities, but their safety systems have been lacking when they really need to have their customers' backs," added Schmahl. "The S60 has both safety and sophistication covered, offering peace of mind as well as peace and quiet in the cabin."

About Mitchell Volvo of the Litchfield Hills:

A part of the Mitchell Auto Group that has served Connecticut drivers since 1922, Mitchell Volvo of the Litchfield Hills strives to make every Volvo sales and service experience a great one. Backed by the knowledge and experience of an unparalleled sales team, they help customers find the perfect new or certified pre-owned Volvo for their lifestyle. For prompt and reliable Volvo service with a broad selection of parts, visit Mitchell Volvo of the Litchfield Hills. Browse their inventory in person at 450 New Litchfield St. in Torrington, or online at www.volvolitchfieldhills.com. They can also be contacted by phone at 800-717-4932 and found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MitchellVolvoLitchfieldHills.